Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole)
Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake, also known as a breakfast casserole, is a delightful fusion of fluffy eggs, savory bacon or sausage, and crispy hash browns—all blanketed in a gooey layer of cheese. There’s something undeniably comforting about it, whether it’s the warm, enveloping aromas wafting from the oven or the vibrant colors that greet you when you cut into the golden crust. As the edges turn golden and puffy, you can already imagine the smiles it’ll bring to your family and friends during a cheerful Easter brunch.
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I first stumbled across this recipe during a family gathering and have cherished it ever since. It strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures, drawing everyone in for a second helping. Combining the crunchy bits of bacon (or sausage) with creamy cheeses and tender hash browns creates an irresistible medley that’s not only filling but also family-friendly. The best part? This dish can be prepped the night before, allowing you to enjoy your brunch instead of spending it slaving away in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to experience this cheesy delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this hearty meal ready to bake.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of bacon, creamy cheeses, and seasoned eggs creates a flavor explosion.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This casserole is visually stunning as it puffs and browns in the oven, perfect for impressing guests.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it for brunch, breakfast, or even a cozy dinner night with friends or family.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can swap ingredients for gluten-free or turkey sausage to meet various dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 to 16 ounces bacon or sausage, chopped: This is the fabulous base for your flavor, giving you smoky or savory goodness. Feel free to switch to turkey bacon or plant-based sausage for a lighter option.
- ½ cup small diced onion or shallots: These add a sweet, aromatic depth. Yellow or white onions will also work, just remember to sauté them until soft.
- 8 large eggs, lightly beaten: The binder of the dish, making it fluffy and light. Make sure they’re at room temperature for even cooking.
- 4-5 cups shredded hash browns, frozen or thawed: These provide that beloved crunchy texture. Frozen pre-packaged works wonderfully or try grating fresh potatoes in a pinch.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce, optional: A dash of heat enhances the flavor profile beautifully, but omit it if you prefer a milder taste.
- 1 teaspoon salt: I recommend coarse kosher salt for even seasoning. Adjust as needed based on your taste.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper elevates the dish, adding a gentle bite.
- ¾ cup cottage cheese: This creamy component adds richness without overwhelming heaviness. Low-fat options work well, too!
- ¾ cup sour cream: For a tangy twist, it complements the cheese and eggs perfectly. Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute here.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, preferably sharp: Sharp cheddar offers that classic cheesy punch. You could go mild if you prefer something softer.
- 1 cup shredded swiss cheese: This adds a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheddar. Feel free to swap for mozzarella or even pepper jack for added spice.
- Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish: These add a pop of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole)
Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This ensures an even brown and no sticking, which is essential for easy serving.
Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon (or sausage) and onion. Cook until everything is crispy and golden brown. You’ll want about 8-10 minutes of cooking time. Once done, drain off any excess grease to avoid a soggy casserole.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 large beaten eggs, 4-5 cups shredded hash browns, 1 teaspoon hot sauce (if using), 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Then, mix in ¾ cup cottage cheese, ¾ cup sour cream, and both 1 cup cheddar and 1 cup swiss cheese. Finally, fold in the crispy bacon or sausage and sautéed onions. It’s a melty, delicious mixture!
Spread & Refrigerate: Evenly spread your mixture into the prepared pan. If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can cover the casserole with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are lightly golden, the center has puffed up, and a thin knife inserted comes out clean. If you refrigerated it overnight, add an additional 10-15 minutes to your baking time.
Garnish & Serve: Once out of the oven, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before cutting into squares. Top with generous sprinkles of chopped green onions or chives for a fresh finish.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for longer, consider freezing individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly from freezing. A quick heat and sprinkle of fresh herbs will refresh its flavors beautifully.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Always drain excess grease from cooked meats to prevent a soggy casserole.
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and fluffiness in your dish.
- Let the casserole cool for a short while before slicing; this helps maintain its shape.
- Feel free to add in veggies like bell peppers or spinach to boost flavor and nutrition.
- This recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals; prepping the night before will save you time in the morning.
This Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole) is sure to become a staple at your brunches and gatherings. Between its delicious, cheesy goodness and hearty textures, it’s not just a meal—it’s an experience. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different meats and veggies based on what you enjoy or have on hand.
Recipe FAQs
Can I prep this casserole the night before?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. This actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to squeeze out any excess water after grating, so the casserole doesn’t become soggy.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If cottage cheese isn’t your thing, Greek yogurt or cream cheese can work as excellent alternatives while still providing creaminess.
How do I know when the casserole is cooked through?
Your casserole is ready when the edges are golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. It might take a bit longer if it’s refrigerated beforehand, so just be patient!
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📖 Recipe Card
Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake (Crowd-Pleasing Easter Brunch Casserole)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bake is a delightful, hearty dish featuring crispy bacon, creamy cheeses, and fluffy eggs. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing casserole that’s perfect for brunch or any meal.
Ingredients
- 8 to 16 ounces (227 to 454 g) bacon, chopped, or sausage
- ½ cup small diced onion or shallots
- 8 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 4–5 cups (567 to 680 g) shredded hash browns, frozen or thawed
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce, optional
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¾ cup (170 g) cottage cheese
- ¾ cup (170 g) sour cream
- 1 cup (114 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (114 g) shredded swiss cheese
- chopped green onions or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a 9X13-inch baking pan.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon or sausage with onion until crispy and cooked through. Drain excess grease.
- In a large bowl, combine the eggs, hash browns, hot sauce (if using), salt, pepper, cottage cheese, sour cream, cheddar and swiss cheeses. Mix in the bacon or sausage and onions.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan. The casserole can be covered and refrigerated overnight if desired.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, the center is puffy, and a knife comes out clean when inserted.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or chives and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
If using sausage instead of bacon, make sure to cook it thoroughly until browned.
Feel free to add other vegetables or spices to customize the flavor, like bell peppers or garlic.
This casserole can be made the night before for a convenient brunch option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 240mg
